Taraji P. Henson's Foundation Hosts the 5th Annual Can We Talk? Arts & Wellness Summit

Key Highlights of the 5th Annual Can We Talk? Summit

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF), established by acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson, is set to return with its much-anticipated event, the 5th Annual Can We Talk? Arts & Wellness Summit. This year’s summit will take place from October 10-12, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10. The event aims to foster community engagement through a blend of artistic expression and mental wellness practices, emphasizing the critical importance of mental health discussions in underserved communities.

The summit will be a unique three-day experience incorporating multicultural arts, wellness discussions, and healing practices. It is designed to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly within marginalized communities. The event opens its doors to therapists, cultural leaders, policymakers, and community members to engage in deep dialogues about mental wellness, cultural identity, and community healing. The summit culminates with a signature benefit brunch titled "i AM The Table", hosted by Taraji P. Henson herself, featuring appearances from influential figures such as Megan Thee Stallion, Wale, and Sherri Shepherd.

Inaugural Events and Workshops

The summit will feature exciting highlights, beginning on Friday, October 10, with panel discussions and healing circles aimed at engaging attendees in meaningful conversations. Notable topics will include Next Generation Dialogues, bridging gaps in beliefs across generations. The healing circles will include traditional cultural practices like Ring Shouts and Afro-Indigenous Choctaw sound medicine, fostering an atmosphere of communal understanding and collective healing.

On Saturday, October 11, attendees can expect an array of art and wellness activations that will showcase unique multicultural practices tailored to promote holistic health. Workshops will include Japanese forest bathing, Capoeira classes, and interactive sessions at the Heritage Aroma Bar, allowing participants to engage directly with varied traditions that contribute to mental well-being. Additionally, the World Art Bazaar will present a plethora of exhibitors, showcasing vibrant arts and therapies that reflect the diversity of cultures present.

A Call for Action and Support

The summit is not only an opportunity for celebration but a vital call to action. As per Taraji P. Henson, the community's collective healing and support are paramount: "Humans need Humans. We want communities everywhere to build tables of joy, spaces that honor safety, belonging and dignity." This stance resonates strongly with the foundation’s mission of eradicating stigma and cultivating an environment where everyone feels empowered to share their stories and pursue wellness.

On Sunday, October 12, the “i AM The Table” Benefit Brunch will feature live jazz and discussions with VIP guests, allowing for personal interactions that underscore the value of community and shared experiences. Each ticket sold will contribute directly to BLHF's mission of providing mental health resources to those in need, illustrating that every conversation can plant the seeds for transformation.

Commitment to Mental Wellness

Since its inception in 2018, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation has worked tirelessly to provide culturally relevant mental health resources, combating systemic barriers faced by BIPOC communities. By establishing a network of competent therapists and wellness knowledge, the foundation empowers individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. This 5th Annual Can We Talk? Summit is not merely an event; it’s a cultural movement towards effective change and acknowledgment of the importance of mental health in everyday life.

Through grassroots efforts, collaboration with Prince George's County Council and dynamic programming, BLHF continues to inspire hope and actively works towards fostering resilience in communities long affected by mental health stigma. For more information regarding the summit and ticket purchases, visit www.borislhensonfoundation.org to support this remarkable cause.